With the emergence of more and more Montessori schools, parents need to understand what Montessori schools teach. Knowing what a school curriculum offers will help you in choosing the right school for your children.
Schools demand more from children today than ever. Parents need to be involved and know what their children go through every day as a student.
What does a Montessori school teach? A Montessori school teaches students social studies, Mathematica, Language Arts, Science, Art, Music, Anatomy, Botany, and Chemistry, among others. The lessons are taught in a hands-on approach. The subjects are grouped into 5 key areas of study which we will discuss individually below.
5 Key Areas of Study Montessori Schools Teach
Lessons Montessori schools teach revolve around these 5 key areas of study.
- Practical Life. Montessori schools prepare students for the real world. They are taught self-discipline, independence, care for pets and the environment, social skills, tolerance, social justice, and many others. The goal is to help students become good individuals and better members of society.
- Sensorial. This area of study aims to refine and improve the seven senses. The seven senses are sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, balance, and self-awareness.
- Mathematics. Students learn mathematics in a very hands-on manner. They learn through play and other activities that will help them learn better.
- Language. This area of study covers reading, writing, comprehension, and oral language. Depending on their level of learning, students are encouraged to learn foreign languages and other advanced lessons.
- Culture. Cultural studies cover a wide range of lessons like geography, sciences, music, art, history, and many more.
Core Principles of Montessori Education
The key areas of study Montessori schools teach are based on the core principles of Montessori.
Order and Structure
In the Montessori classroom, everything has its place. The learning materials are carefully and logically placed and designed for optimum learning. Order and structure paired with the child’s freedom to explore their interests is the secret recipe for an excellent educational program.
Freedom
It is believed that children foster a love for learning and develop a deeper curiosity when they are given the freedom to choose what to learn. Children harness creativity and exploration when they are free to move around.
Uninterrupted Learning Periods
The uninterrupted learning periods are set at a three-hour time. During this time, students get to choose what lessons to learn, with whom they learn them, and how long they do it within the period. Teachers are there only to guide and observe. Teachers only intervene when the child asks for help, when they are disruptive to others, or when they go out of focus. Otherwise, children get to explore their activities undisturbed.
Self-Discipline
It is believed that discipline comes from within the child and should not be imposed. This is why children in Montessori are taught self-assessment and self-correction. Self-discipline gives children a sense of accountability and responsibility. This is honed through repetition in their self-led activities.
The Role of the Montessori Teacher
The Montessori teacher plays a very important role in the success of the Montessori curriculum and the students. Without an excellent teacher, the Montessori program will not be effective. The role and responsibilities of a Montessori teacher are:
- Assessing, guiding, observing, and supervising the students as they explore and learn.
- Working with the parents in developing the curriculum, independent learning exercises, lesson plans, and other strategies to support the needs of each student.
- Building rapport and trust with the students.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and stimulating environment that is conducive to learning.
- Monitoring each student’s progress, and many others.
Teachers are often underappreciated. Their passion for teaching and the different roles they play can mean the failure or success of the Montessori educational program. Aside from the parents, teachers play one of the most crucial roles in the overall development of a child.
The Three-Year Cycle
The Montessori method uses the three-year cycle. Students and teachers in Montessori schools establish a strong rapport and develop a sense of community. Three years is enough time for both to get to know each other. Teachers become adept at the students’ strengths and weaknesses. This will allow the teachers to develop better programs and lessons.
The three-year cycle gives students a sense of security. It eliminates the stress of facing a new environment and dealing with new people. No stress means the students can focus on what matters – learning.
FAQs
Are Montessori schools inclusive of children with special needs? Yes, Montessori schools are inclusive. They do not discriminate. Montessori classrooms provide a safe space for children with special needs. Children with special needs can progress just as much as the average student. In fact, they can help teach other children patience, tolerance, acceptance, and other virtues that will help them become better individuals.
Why don’t Montessori schools focus on academics? In Montessori, they believe that for children to be ready to face the real world and become successful, they do not only need to master academics but social and practical disciplines as well. One has to be a well-rounded and well-balanced person to be successful.
Why are Montessori students not graded? Tests and grades mean children are judged by their mistakes and expected to learn at the same pace. In Montessori, mistakes are part of the learning process. Students are allowed to make mistakes and improve from them. Students can master an area of study by making mistakes. This is why Montessori students are not graded the way traditional school students are.
Do Montessori students do better? Studies show that Montessori students do better in school and after school. Children are happier and more adept in life.
Summary
A Montessori school teaches students social studies, Mathematica, Language Arts, Science, Art, Music, Anatomy, Botany, and Chemistry, among others. The lessons are taught in a hands-on approach. It teaches students independence, academics, and the core values they need in the complex world.
Montessori schools do not just teach students to do well in school. They help students prepare for their future. Students are prepared to face a world where they can be good and productive.